Montserrat Volcano Observatory

Daily Report
Report for the period 16:00 04 Mayto 16:00 05 May 1997
The current alert level is AMBER

Rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows have dominated activity over the
reporting period. Moderate visibility enabled some views of the dome to
be obtained this morning, and dome growth was confirmed to be continuing
in the southern part of the crater.

The broadband seismic network recorded a total of 88 rockfall signals
during the past 24 hours, almost exactly the same number as yesterday.
Most of these rockfalls are quite small and they are again occurring both
on the White River and Tar River side of the dome. There were 22
long-period earthquakes, of which 17 triggered rockfalls. One
volcano-tectonic earthquake was also recorded today but it was too small
to locate.

Observations of the dome were made by helicopter late this morning. The
area of active growth is still in the southern part of the dome, with
material shedding down both the southwestern and southeastern flanks into
the White River and Tar River valleys respectively. The high-point on the
dome is at the same height as when last observed, but the area around it
has grown substantially in volume. With near-continuous rockfall
activity, it is difficult to assess the current rate of growth of the
dome, but it is certainly slower than during the time prior to large
collapses earlier in the year.

An EDM survey is currently under way on the northern triangle - the
results will not be available until tomorrow. The results from the GPS
survey to Perche's Mountain show that there has been no movement in that
area since the last occupation in early April.

The volcano remains dangerous, and only essential visits should be made to
the evacuated zone. People should wear masks when in the ashy areas. The
Tar River and White River valleys are extremely dangerous, and should not
be entered under any circumstances.